The first thing that got me interested about Chateau de Divonne was it’s location; within 20 minutes from Geneva as well as some other great towns and wineries along the Swiss Riveria. If you are flying to Switzerland for holidays the great thing about Geneva airport is that it’s tiny, which means you can get from the plane to your rental car or taxi within 20 minutes if you are not checking baggage. And thanks to the Schengen Agreement you will not get delayed at the border when traveling from Switzerland to France (when we went the station was empty).
My wife and I started to get excited about our weekend escape as we crossed the border into France and saw a beautiful white chateau perched over the town on a clearing. “Is that where we’re staying?!” my wife asked. I was not sure because even from a few kilometers away the propery looked bigger then it looked in the SLH directory. Sure enough, after we climbed the winding hill, passed through the gates and drove passed the gardens we could see that we arrived at the Chateau in question.
George checked us in right away (fluent in French, English and Lebanese), booked a table for us at the gastronomic restaurant and surprised us with a free room upgrade (to a suite) on the second floor. It was a spacious, charming room with a comfortable sitting area and a bedroom with antique furniture and views looking out towards Lake Geneva (which, by the way, is known as Lac Leman to all who live outside of Geneva). Before we could put our bags down there was a knock at the door where we were surprised again by a bottle of champagne on ice. I’m not sure what you would call it, but if you’re not a purist I recommend using some of the fresh strawberry juice from the mini bar to make a champagne cocktail.
The rest of they afternoon was spent relaxing in the lounge with a book and enjoying some autumn sun on the terrace. One thing in particular I loved about the Chateau was how quiet and peaceful it was; just what we needed after a stressful week at the office.
There are several Michelin starred restaurants in Geneva and the idea of driving into town did cross our minds. However, when we were presented with the amuse bouche (something delicious made from chestnuts that could have come from the trees on the property for all I know) we knew we made the right choice to take dinner in the Chateau. There are several dining options from price fixe ‘discovery’ menus to a la carte; and the wine list is very tempting with a range of choices from the nearby wineries in Switzerland as well as Provence, Cotes du Rhone and Burgundy. Other highlights include the cheese trolley with local selections; and just when you think you’re finished, a second dessert tray with home made marshmallows, chocolates and macaroons!
My wife and I were so full after our dinner we were grateful our room was just up the stairs and we didn’t have to get back in the car or search for a taxi.
We woke the next morning to a beautiful sunrise over the Alps and headed down for some coffee and breakfast to start the day. The breakfast room is beautiful with grand windows that let in the morning sun and fill the room. You might even want to come downstairs with a pair of sunglasses. With a cup of coffee and the morning newspaper we were feeling totally relaxed and completely forgot the past week’s work and all our other obligations.
After breakfast it was time to explore the grounds (there was a sculpture exhibition in the gardens at the time) and try to walk off dinner and breakfast! Then it was back to the room to lounge in the sitting room while I tried to finish my book (thanks to the Chateau for the late check out) before having to pack our bags. The last order of business was to organize the perfect day with the concierge, including visiting several of the nearby wineries followed by lunch at a rusting and charming farm nearby (think no electricity or running water!).
We were totally relaxed, if not a little sad to be leaving so soon, but with these kinds of rates and service I think we’ll come back soon.